PALESTINE, Texas (Dec. 19, 2017) – The City of Palestine has announced the New Year’s Day holiday schedule for city facilities.

The following city offices and facilities will close at Monday, Jan. 1 and will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 2:
• City Hall, which includes Customer Service, Municipal Court, Finance, Development Services, Public Works, Utilities, City Manager’s Office, Police Administration, Fire Administration, City Secretary, Human Resources, Streets, Emergency Management Office and Warehouse Services.
• Palestine Economic Development and Main Street Offices
• Palestine Community Services Offices
• Palestine Visitor Center
• Palestine Public Library will close on Monday, Jan. 1 through. All library materials (books, CDs, and DVDs) can be returned 24/7 in the book drop located on the curb outside of the Mall’s main entrance.

The following city offices and facilities will be open:
• The Palestine Civic Center will be open for an event.

The following is scheduled from Public Works:
• City garbage/recycling services will not run on New Year’s Day, but those scheduled for Monday, will be picked up on Tuesday, Jan. 2. Those scheduled for Tuesday will be picked up on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
• The compost site on Spring Street will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 30 and Monday, Jan. 1.
• To report after-hours and holiday water/sewer/road issues that require immediate attention, please contact City Hall at 903-729-2254, and press “0” for immediate assistance.

PALESTINE, Texas (Dec. 18, 2017) – The City of Palestine has announced the Christmas holiday schedule for city facilities.

The following city offices and facilities will close at noon Thursday, Dec. 21 and will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, Dec. 26:• City Hall, which includes Customer Service, Municipal Court, Finance, Development Services, Public Works, Utilities, City Manager’s Office, Police Administration, Fire Administration, City Secretary, Human Resources, Streets, Emergency Management Office and Warehouse Services.
• Palestine Economic Development and Main Street Offices
• Palestine Community Services Offices
• Palestine Public Library will close on Thursday, Dec. 21 through Tuesday, Dec. 26. All library materials (books, CDs, and DVDs) can be returned 24/7 in the book drop located on the curb outside of the Mall’s main entrance.

The following city offices and facilities will be open:
• The Palestine Mall Concourse and Mall shops will remain open on Friday, Dec. 22 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The mall will be closed on Saturday, Dec 23 and Monday, Dec. 25. The mall is closed on Sundays.
• The Palestine Visitor Center will be open on Saturday, Dec. 23. It will close on Monday, Dec. 25.
• The Palestine Civic Center will be open on Saturday, Dec. 23 and close on Monday, Dec. 25.

The following is scheduled from Public Works:• City garbage/recycling services will not run on Christmas Day, but those scheduled for Monday, will be picked up on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Those scheduled for Tuesday will be picked up on Wednesday, Dec. 27.
• The compost site on Spring Street will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 23 and Monday, Dec. 25.
• To report after-hours and holiday water/sewer/road issues that require immediate attention, please contact City Hall at 903-729-2254, and press “0” for immediate assistance.

PALESTINE, Texas (December 15, 2017) – Just in time for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, the Palestine Police Department will be increasing their efforts in encouraging safe driving during the holiday. This enforcement will focus specifically the offenses of driving while intoxicated (DWI), seat belt, child seat, and speeding. The enforcement period will be between December 15 to December 31.

According to Palestine Police Chief Andy Harvey, “This is enforcement that directly is tied to keeping all of our citizens safe, especially during the holidays."

The Palestine Police Department was awarded a STEP enforcement grant from the Texas Department of Transportation. The grant refunds the police department for the use of their officers and equipment for the additional enforcement. For additional information, please contact the Palestine Police Department at (903-729-2254, on Facebook @PalestineTXPD, or Twitter @PalestinePD.

PALESTINE, Texas (Dec. 14, 2017) – In anticipation of a large number of mourners for this Saturday’s memorial service for Bascom Bentley III, the Palestine Police Department is closing the following roads at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Roads Closed
East Crawford Street from North Sycamore to the end of the church property
North Sycamore from Erwin to Crawford streets
North Houston Street from East Oak to North Sycamore streets
Erwin Street from North Sycamore Street (Dead End)

The parking lots at First Christian Church and St. Phillips Episcopal Church will be reserved for dignitaries arriving at the memorial service. Parking will be available at Palestine Church, an old Capital One bank branch on North Magnolia Streets, and at the Palestine Herald-Press on Elm Street. Parking will also be available throughout downtown Palestine.

First Christian Church has set up three viewing rooms where mourners can watch the service via livestream video. The livestreaming video will also be available courtesy of the Palestine Herald-Press online at palestineherald.com. The memorial service begins at 11 a.m.

“Judge Nemer wished to spend more time with his family and focus on his private practice,” Hornes said. “We thank the judge for his service and the search for a new Municipal Court Judge will begin immediately.”